Why we can't have a black president...

I'd vote for obama. I just would feel bad cause it's like voting to put a guy in a position where he is going to be getting shot at and hated etc... I mean, if Bush can be president, he just proved that you don't have to at least appear to be intelligent to be president of the U.S. I'm tired of being embarassed whenever he gets up to speak in an international forum... Obama is articulate, sharp, and hey he's even half white. I would hate to see him getting shot at everywhere he would go tho...

Yeah... thats my biggest fear. Dude definitely is going to have to face some major obstacles. Sometimes i wonder if he even wants to be president. It seems that a lot of people look at him as some kind of savior and are forcing him into that role (similar to how MLK Jr., didn't want to be the man in the forefront... but just the same he's the man for the job). America needs another charismatic sincere president. Experience aside, when i listen to Obama i can since the sincerity and i feel like i can trust him unlike the knucklehead we have president who can't construct a sentence but feels the need to go over congress and the senate with everything.

I think it would open a few doors. I believe that most of the US wouldn't be opposed to a Black president, provided that he is qualified and personable. Of course, there would be the usual flak from the fringes, but that will pass. The larger question is how would that affect his performance in office. Would it be a benefit in that he could help promote cross-cultural dialogue (for example, in the Middle East and Africa) or would it restrict his ability to promote Democratic Party issues that may be seen as pro-Black (affirmative action etc.) because opponents would call his personal interests into question? Also, we need to consider the debt that he owes to the Democrats, who basically made his name a household icon and positioned him for the Presidency. Will that be held over his head when it's time to make the hard decisions? I don't want to see a situation where it's used as leverage to force Obama to push the party line. Some thoughts...

I think it would open a few doors. I believe that most of the US wouldn't be opposed to a Black president, provided that he is qualified and personable. Of course, there would be the usual flak from the fringes, but that will pass. The larger question is how would that affect his performance in office. Would it be a benefit in that he could help promote cross-cultural dialogue (for example, in the Middle East and Africa) or would it restrict his ability to promote Democratic Party issues that may be seen as pro-Black (affirmative action etc.) because opponents would call his personal interests into question? Also, we need to consider the debt that he owes to the Democrats, who basically made his name a household icon and positioned him for the Presidency. Will that be held over his head when it's time to make the hard decisions? I don't want to see a situation where it's used as leverage to force Obama to push the party line. Some thoughts...

Those are some very good thoughts. He is going to have many hurdles that he'll need to conquer domestically but I feel that he'll be alright in the long run. One of the things you mentioned was promoting cross-cultural dialogue particularly in Africa and the Middle East. We all know the Bush Administration has done a poor job when it comes to America's reputation, especially Dubya's cavalier cowboy approach to politics. I think how he deals with whats left of America's International reputation will be his biggest test ESPECIALLY in those areas where the Bush admistrations role and performance have not been that stellar. From what I've heard so far i think his head is in the right place when it comes to international affairs but like you said NeoSoul, one of my biggest concerns is the pressure that he'll face by his party. Even Hillary Clinton for that matter (many say thats she's know where near the politician her husband is). Nonetheless.. he has my vote. Not just by default... but because i think he's the charismatic idealistic INTELLIGENT leader this country needs. I want to say anybody would be a step up from Bush, but there are defintiely some shadier dumber politicians out there.

Somebody should contact his publicist and get him to issue a statement to the hbcuconnect community. He would do it. Maybe if he runs for president we'll get an interview with him.

So Jackson isn't in the same alliance with Sharpton and them? That sounded pretty responsible. Whether he endorses or not, it was a nice statement. We are getting too global not to be inclusive. I mean not to appeal to a majority of people, Black, white, hispanic, etc.

The problem with Sharpton and Jackson was that when they "ran for president" they werent really qualified. And only counted on Blacks voting for them ONLY BECAUSE THEY WERE BLACK. Obama, however, IS qualified. But, if Hillary Clinton runs (and she is) that might split the minority votes. Females would LOVE and woman president and Blacks would LOVE a Black president. The only way I can see them both gettin in, is if they run together. Obama President and Hillary Vice President...

Sharpton and Jackson run (not to win) but to either defract votes or to get their issues heard. This is maybe going to be the most interesting presidential campaign in the history of the united states. I was also wondering what would happen if they ran together. that would be some serious jokes right there.

wow...